Evil in Residence
To trust in the Force is the beginning of a life worthwhile. Obi-Wan Kenobi's trust in the Force, will guide him to discover why he was born.
chapter one: The warning.
/bond speak\\
The droning pulse of electromagnetic laser barriers snapping closed brought Obi-Wan to a sliding halt. The first of eight sections leading to the central chamber of the power generator facility was as far as he managed.
Blood rushed through his veins, pumped faster by the accentuated beating of a strong willed heart, but he wasn't out of breath. His heart rate increased because impenetrable barriers separated them and the Force was warning him of impending danger. Even though he'd used the Force to quicken his steps, the energy gates still blocked his way.
They hissed and crackled; access denied to him while his master was five bays further away with his back to Obi-Wan and another two bays away from the central melting pit chamber where the tattooed Zabrak waited… 'A trap'.
He could sense Qui-Gon's exhaustion as he watched him drop to his knees in the meditation position and his gaze took in the arrogant and contemptuous glare flaring in the force vibrating from the black clad being as he smirked in satisfaction holding a double-ended red sabre in a threatening manner… 'A trap'.
Above them, another battle raged in the streets of Theed. The queen of Naboo and her loyal guards battled fiercely against the trade federation. Oddly, both Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon felt there was more to the trade federation's blockade of Naboo than met the eye. There were signs of an ulterior motive and now the appearance of a being that they presumed no longer existed brandishing a weapon known only to be the weapon of a sith confirmed their suspicions even more.
Obi-Wan couldn't settle whether he was more troubled by his master's decision not to wait for him, or the fact that they were fighting a being that was supposed to be extinct. Although sometimes called Iridonians by species this Zabrak's tattoos gave him the appearance of an evil apparition. The horns protruding from his head shone in the glow of the lights and his stance was haughty and self-assured as he taunted Qui-Gon by touching the laser barriers with the tip of his sabre sending sparkes across the room; sharp teeth beared like a blood thirsty carnivore waiting to devour his prey.
A sense of helplessness filled Obi-Wan as he strained continuously to call through their bond. It was out of character for Qui-Gon to block him, but Qui-Gon's shields were firmly keeping him out after their last communication minutes before.
Recalling that time: Obi-Wan continued parrying against the solid blows of the red blade, while his master regained his footing, but he didn't expect a bolt of blue lightning to charge toward him, catching it on his sabre the jolt of power sent him flying backward over the edge, plunging down several levels. He hit the steel platform heavily knocking the breath from his lungs and it took a few moments to regain his equilibrium.
Looking up to gage his next move to jump back up, he could see Qui-Gon peering down checking to see if he was all right.
/ Padawan, can you continue? \\
/ Y-yes Master, I will be right there wait for me.\\ Obi-Wan sent trying to collect his breath as he jumped one level at a time.
/You need to regain your strength Padawan, I will wear him down.\\ Qui-Gon said as he began to move off down the corridor chasing after the devil, not waiting for his padawan.
/No Master, wait for me - I sense a trap, he's trying to separate us, wait for me!\\
/There is no doubt in my mind that he is a sith, padawan, he is well trained in the dark arts; he has the physical strength to do considerable damage and I don't sense any weakness in him. Catch up when you can.\\ and then the bond closed down to an eerie silence.
/Master!..Master…Answer me! Do not close our bond!...Master!\\...
Now, a heavy gut trenching worry filled him as he watched his mentor assume a meditation pose while waiting for the laser mechanism to cycle. Abruptly, he sensed Qui-Gon open up drawing strength from the Force. Fatigue filtered out, but barely enough. His master was tired and he knew that the sith would sense it also.
Anxiety build inside him not understanding why his master was blocking him. Surely Qui-Gon could sense the power and the darkness in the devil he was about to face. A being that was half his age, and physically stronger, why was he doing this?
A flare of annoyance filled him and he mentally pushed hard against the shields with all his strength in the hope that Qui-Gon would come to his senses. It worked, for as abruptly as the bond had closed now it was open.
/Master what are you doing? \\
/ Obi-Wan, my faithful Padawan, have I ever told you how much you mean to me?"\\
/Master, please weariness is filling you, don't engage him alone. Come back and wait for me. We can defeat him together!\\
Obi-Wan felt the impression of a mental sigh flow through their bond. It made his nerves prickle and the revelation of what his master was going to do sent shockwaves through his body. Qui-Gon was going to face this being alone.
The revolving doors were sensor activated and he knew it was impossible for him to get through them all in time to be at his master's side in battle.
/ I'm sorry Padawan. I always meant to tell you that you were the best thing that ever happened to me. I apologise for not showing you how much you helped me. You will be a great Jedi Obi-Wan and it has been my honour to teach you.\\
/Then let me prove my worth and stand with you now! Do not face him alone! \\
/Obi-Wan, you worry too much, you must learn to accept your destiny; I have.\\
/Master! What does my destiny have to do with the 'here and now,' and if it's your destiny to die now, I don't want to accept that fate! \\
/ Padawan! Don't you have any faith in my abilities; after all, I am a Jedi Master.\\
/Master, my faith in your abilities is unwavering. However, you must admit that you're not as young as you were and even in the privacy of our bond, you are not strong enough to take him alone, even I have defeated you in the sparring arena several times.\\
/ Ah yes, my Padawan. There is truth in your words, you will be a great warrior and I am proud of you, that is why I must wear this monster down if I can, and if the Force is with me, I will keep him busy until you get here. Look at him Padawan he's not much older than you are, but his eyes hold the flames of arrogance and there is no fear in them. He is dangerous and you don't have the same lust for killing that burns in his soul. I can feel the overwhelming determination in him to destroy us both. There is no light in him at all.\\
/All the more reason to wait for me Master.\\
/No.\\
/Why?\\
/I'm - afraid.\\
/I do not believe that Master, if you're afraid, then why are you determined to face him alone. I don't understand. If anyone should be afraid, it is I! Nevertheless, you've taught me that there is no death, there is only the force; I am not afraid to die!\\
/I know my Obi-Wan, but it's you that I'm afraid for.\\
/You're afraid for me? How arrogant is that! You would go into battle without me just because you're afraid that I might die. \\
/Yes, I can't allow him to hurt you. You are my legacy and Anakin needs a strong master; you will be that master. I know I said that I would train him, but I acted in haste.\\
Obi-Wan felt anger and dread rise within him knowing that his master was deciding his fate for him.
/ You think I am unworthy to fight along side you, if that is so then how can you place Anakin's future in my hands?\\
/ Obi-Wan its not just the boy I'm thinking about, I have more faith in you than I have in my self and I am doing this to make sure that you survive to become the Jedi I know you are destined to be.\\
Obi-Wan couldn't believe Qui-Gon's words. He'd never agree to this and he wouldn't allow Qui-Gon to believe he would.
/Then go! Go on without me! This sith is powerful and in your current state he will kill you and then I will face him alone and in all probability, I shall die too. You dishonour me Master; we are a team and we should stand by each other.\\
/Obi-Wan! don't say that. If I can tire him, it will be worth it. I'm doing this for you and for Anakin. I know you are more than capable to guide him to Knighthood.\\
/No Master! You made it quite clear in the council chambers that your preference was to train Anakin. If you do this now, be aware that you are not doing it for me! For if I survive, I will not train Anakin!\\
/What! Obi-Wan, please! - Promise me you'll train the boy! You must promise me, Padawan.\\
/Train him yourself that was your wish.\\ Obi-Wan felt pain lace through him saying those words to his master, but he had to stand by his words and make him see that there was no wisdom in his actions.
/Obi-Wan you are my hope for the future. You don't mean that! \\
/If you do this and go on without me; my worthlessness will be proven and I promise that if I survive, I shall leave the Jedi order, and you know I have never lied to you Master - I will not train Anakin!\\
ooo
Qui-Gon rose to his feet and turned to face Obi-Wan and even though he was a hundred metres away, he could see grim determination on his apprentice's young face. Obi-Wan's eyes bore right into him. They begged Qui-Gon to change his mind.
He looked deep into that beloved face and saw disappointment and grief etched into his very soul. Everything Obi-Wan had revealed to him through their bond was the truth. He could sense Obi-Wan's heartache and misery through the Force. Not only had he never told Obi-Wan that he loved him like a son, but he'd disillusioned him in front of the council as well. He hadn't meant to put Anakin's value over Obi-Wan's, nevertheless, he had.
He had to admit that he'd formed an attachment to Obi-Wan and he felt ashamed that he'd let it rule him. Obi-Wan deserved his respect; he'd earned it over the years. Now he must prove that he trusted Obi-Wan to succeed. He heard the whine of machinery clicking. The moment was now. His decision was upon him.
Tbc…..